Preparing for Hurricane Season

Published May 30th, 2009

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With the official start of hurricane season just two days away, TV20 wants to make sure you're prepared. The National Hurricane Center is out with its annual survey of how well prepared people are to deal with the storms. Residents in 18 states took part in a Mason-Dixon poll on how well prepared they are should a hurricane hit. The numbers show many people, including Floridians, are not ready.

Hurricane season begins Monday and the National Weather Service is asking, 'Are you prepared?'
Shopping for hurricane supplies can be a taunting task but starting early can ease the last minute rush. "People are remembering that we haven't had a really tough storm season in a couple of years and we haven't seen a lot of people coming in for getting all the preparedness supplies," says Home Depot Manager Tori Muldoon.

Those supplies include the usuals such as flash lights, batteries and water, but Muldoon also says things like a carbon monoxide detector and tarps are useful too. "You can minimize a tremendous amount of damage just by having tarps and tie downs to keep them in place."

The National Hurricane Center just released some alarming numbers when it comes to being prepared. 55% of the people polled say they do not have a disaster plan. Over two thirds admitted to not having a hurricane survival kit and more than 80% say they haven't made home improvements for this hurricane season.

Florida's Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp says, "There seems to be this feeling out there that if it's not a 4 or 5 then we're not in harm's way. 15 people lost their life last year from Tropical Storm Fay." That's the message officials want to get out - it doesn't matter how severe or not severe a storm is, they want everyone to get prepared early. The Home Depot on 13th Avenue will be having a hurricane preparedness day on June 13 beginning at 8am. It is free and open to the public.